Dry van and reefer spot rates dip, but winter storms could push prices higher

Last week, dry van and refrigerated spot rates fell as expected, according to weekly reports from FTR Transportation Intelligence and DAT Freight & Analytics.

According to FTR, however, there’s a chance both equipment rates might soon rise. “A massive winter storm over the weekend could mean sizable spot rate increases for both equipment types during the current week," the firm stated. "Flatbed spot rates increased for the ninth time in 10 weeks to the highest level since mid-2025. Absent major weather disruptions, van spot rates in the current week typically would continue post-holiday easing.”

Here is how rates and volumes changed across the three major spot market equipment types:

Dry van rates and volumes

According to FTR: Spot rates fell just under 5 cents last week. Year over year, rates are up about 3%. Dry van loads fell 8.8%. 

According to DAT: National linehaul spot rates dropped $0.06 per mile last week, averaging $1.90 per mile. This rate is about 10% higher than last year.

Refrigerated rates and volumes

According to FTR: Spot rates dropped over 3 cents last week. Rates were about 7% higher than last year. Refrigerated loads rose 3.1%.

According to DAT: National linehaul spot rates dropped $0.08 per mile last week, averaging $2.34 per mile. This rate is about 12% higher than last year.

Flatbed rates and volumes

According to FTR: Spot rates rose just under 1 cent last week. Year over year, rates were up about 7%. Flatbed loads dropped 1.7%.

According to DAT: National linehaul spot rates dropped $0.02 per mile last week, averaging $2.15 per mile. This rate is about 10% higher than last year.